By Abraham Abubakar
The Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC), has commenced a two-day training programme for Electoral Officers, Assistant Electoral Officers, and critical stakeholders in preparation for the Local Government elections scheduled for Saturday, 17th October, 2026.
The elections will cover positions of chairmen, vice-chairmen, and councillors across the state’s 21 Local Government Areas and 239 wards. Themed “Conducting Credible Local Government Elections by Assessing Electoral Jurisprudence as Panacea for Sustainable Democracy,” the programme aims to equip officials for transparent and professional polls.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, KOSIEC Chairman, Mamman Nda Eri welcomed participants and stressed the importance of the exercise. He appreciated Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, for continuous support and for creating an enabling environment for the Commission to discharge its constitutional duties.
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“You are the people who will be at the frontline on election day,” the chairman told the electoral officials and their assistants. “While the Commission provides the policies, guidelines, materials and institutional framework, it is your conduct at the polling units and collation centres that will ultimately determine how the people experience the election.” he further explained.
He urged them to approach the assignment with integrity, neutrality, discipline, and professionalism, stressing that they were not representatives of any political party or interest group.
“Officials must ensure every eligible voter has a fair opportunity to vote, that every vote is properly accounted for, and that laid-down procedures are strictly followed” the KOSIEC boss further added.
Nda Eri made it clear that the Commission will not tolerate compromised neutrality. “Your loyalty must be to the Constitution, the law, the Commission and, ultimately, the people,” he said. He also called on political parties, candidates, security agencies, the media, and citizens to play their roles responsibly so that the elections reflect the will of the people of Kogi State.
In a brief interview, Barrister Bamidele Suru, highlighted the significance of the sensitisation workshop. He noted that the tenure of Local Government chairmen had been extended from two to three years, with the current tenure ending in October 2026. The training, he said, is designed to ensure credible elections in line with the emphasis of Governor Ododo’s administration and the new electoral act enacted in February 2026.
Suru pointed to cases of nullified elections elsewhere, including Osun State, as a cautionary example, referencing the Supreme Court judgment that institutions without democratically elected local government councils cannot remain. He cautioned officers against partisanship, stating that association with any political party contradicts the laws governing their positions and that neutrality is mandatory.
Comrade Mahmud Brown, electoral officer for Ofu Local Government and Forum Chairman of Electoral Officers across the 21 Local Government Areas, described the training as impactful. He said it addresses peculiar field challenges and praised the KOSIEC chairman for organizing a proper programme.
Brown noted remarkable improvements in the Commission since 2020 and, on behalf of all officers and assistants, expressed gratitude for the knowledge gained while promising transparent and credible elections.
Alhaja Falilat Ibrahim, electoral officer for Yagba East Local Government Area, spoke on the value of the programme in educating officers on how to conduct the polls and train subordinate officials.
She stressed that without proper training, activities such as accreditation, venue management, and timely voting would be compromised. Falilat thanked Governor Ododo for granting the KOSIEC chairman independent power to conduct free and fair elections without fear or favour, and expressed confidence in Nda Eri’s humble and honourable leadership.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to arrangements that will deliver peaceful, professional, and credible elections across Kogi State.
